Story: Beetles

Flax weevil

Flax weevil

Flax weevils are large, flightless beetles that live only on flax. They are nocturnal, and during the day they hide around the plant’s base. Unable to fly, all species in the genus Anagotus are attacked by Pacific rats or kiore. They survive on rat-free islands such as the Poor Knights, off the Northland coast. Fossil evidence shows that flax weevils were once widespread in the North Island.

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New Zealand Post
Reference: 1997 Creepy Crawlies stamp issue

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How to cite this page:

John Marris, 'Beetles - What is a beetle?', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/postage-stamp/14353/flax-weevil (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Marris, published 24 Sep 2007